Religion was at the center of the Civil War. Both the North and South looked to God for guidance and aid. Each side believed God was on their side and would decide the war. People in both sides believed it was their duty to do whatever was necessary to win the war and fervently believed they had a role to play. The Union and the Confederacy declared they were devoutly religious but disregarded one of the most important aspects of religion, reconciliation, as animosity grew between the two sides.
Revivalism and Millennialism
Allegory for Union victory
In the nineteenth century, religious participation slowly increased. Christian revivalism quickly spread across the country and roused untrained preachers who “gathered crowds, denounced sin, called for repentance, and welcomed converts.” Revivalism, “an emotional approach to practical Christianity,” was a practice that stemmed from new interest in spirituality and a “rebirth” of the churches. The formation of revivalism gathered America in a united spirit of renewal in the church and for the country. This brought back the ideals of millennialism in the time of the Civil War.
In the nineteenth century, millennialism was a common belief in Christianity. Though post-millenialists and pre-millenialists held very different beliefs, they both incorporated the idea of Christ’s return in one thousand years. Early in the nineteenth century, post-millennial beliefs were most common. Post-millenialists believed that a rebirth of America has already begun and the Kingdom of God on earth has begun forming. Missionaries and reformers believed it was their duty to prepare America for Christ’s return on Earth. Pre-millenialists believed that “biblically prophesized traumas” such as war and destruction were near and would pave the way for the Kingdom of God. They prepared for these traumas and held firmly to the belief that Jesus would physically return to Earth only after they occurred. The American Civil War, many believed was the beginning of the millennium.
Northern Perspective
At the time of the Civil War, a branch of Christianity, Protestantism was the dominant religion in the North. Church leaders pointed out religious and theological justifications for the war and emphasized the importance of preserving the union based on “America’s important place in history.” Northern Protestants believed that a Union victory would pave the way for “the millennium”- a kingdom of God on Earth. They declared that a Confederate victory would slow the progress of America and its growing power. Protestants promoted the religion by proclaiming that by fighting for the Union, they were fighting for humanity.
Southern Perspective
Secession made religion the South's "moral defense." The two main beliefs in the South were that individual states had sovereignty and slavery was permitted by God. The Confederate Constitution declared the South's Christian identity. Southern leaders chose the motto "Deo Vindice," or "God Will Avenge." President Jefferson Davis declared it was time to "recognize our dependence upon God and supplicate his merciful protection." Southerners said that the Northern government was "godless," and put secular concerns over "sacred duties of Christian service." Before the Civil War, the South avoided politics in religious matters and "the jeremiad." But as the war progressed, clergy began to firmly believe that God had a role in the war and so made most sermons war related.
Church Roles and Influences During War
Northern Depiction of Reconstruction
The popular idea that God was at work with the crisis of the Union affected churches ideas and action regarding slavery. Many “denounced it as a sin and called for immediate abolition,” while others disagreed and justified slavery because Jesus never spoke out against it. Some church leaders were torn and believed it would end if God wanted it to, but many people believed God would not let them win the war unless slavery was abolished.
After the Union army was defeated several times, Protestant ministers carried out a tradition they believed would aid the North in victory. Clergy all over the North gave a sermon called “The Jeremiad” named after the prophet Jeremiah from the Old Testament. They threatened people with judgment unless they renounced their sins and took disaster as a punishment from God. Churches began to demand emancipation as early as fall of 1861. These acts made the purpose of the war from keeping the Union together, to ending slavery.
For many, war was a cleansing and a preparation for rebirth. Clergy popularized the belief that if God were to come to earth, slavery would need to be abolished, selfishness removed, and commitment to authority taken on. They declared that each citizen must be willing to sacrifice themselves for rebirth and the good of America. By giving loss and pain good connotations, ministers spread the idea of a “blood baptism.” The assassination of President Lincoln on Good Friday (the day Jesus was crucified and later resurrected on Easter), was taken as a good sign and the start of a new America.
Slavery and Religion
At the beginning of slavery, Africans brought over their religion. They believed there was a high God who created the Universe and lesser Gods that controlled different elements of life. They believed that the lesser Gods were occupied by their ancestors and their purpose in life was to honor them.
Most religion groups in America supported slavery and slave owners did not want slaves to be religious for a fear that they would interpret the Bible to be in favor of equality. But as slavery became a conflict and revolts were carried out, whites began to allow slaves to worship under controlled circumstances. Slaves began to combine African religious and spiritual beliefs with Christian. Some slave owners approved, thinking that slaves would receive redemption from worshiping a Christian God. Others believed it would cause uprisings and terminate their way of life.
In London, the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign arts attempted to convert slaves to Christianity. Though it was fairly effective, many slaves converted at the Great Awakening. Preachers promoted the idea that obedient slaves would be rewarded in heaven. Slaves worshiped secretly, prayed for freedom, sing, preach and dance. They made Christianity their own religion and redefined it in favor of equality.
African-American Churches
A.M.E. Church in Philedelphia
Evangelical Baptist and Methodist preachers traveled throughout the South in the late 18th century and converted many slaves to Christianity. Slaves were appointed as leaders and preachers. They developed their own interpretations of the Bible and found inspiration. Some were inspired to revolt and Virginia passed a law requiring black congregations to meet under the supervision of a white minister. White preachers urged slaves to be loyal to their masters and promoted the idea that hardworking slaves would be rewarded in the afterlife.
Free blacks formed their own congregations and helped slaves who had escaped. African-Americans in Philadelphia were only allowed to worship in a segregated gallery at St. George's Methodist Church. Methodist preachers Absalom Jones and Richard Allen along with other black members left and formed the Free African Society. They began to lead worship and formed the very first African Methodist Episcopal church. The church's slogan was "To Seek For Ourselves."
Religion Amongst Soldiers
By Shay Hayden
The topic of religion among American Civil War soldiers was not commonly researched until fairly recently. Due to the lack of research, there is very little known about the exact number of observers of specific religions and sections among soldiers in the civil war. However, Christianity was clearly the most prominent religion.
When soldiers were first arriving to their respective armies, they came with excitement, foolishness, and a great misunderstanding about the seriousness of warfare. After the first battles, the armies were disorganized and panicked. On the Union side, President Lincoln recognized that the soldiers needed something to unite them. Hatred for the enemy was not strong enough a bond; they were fighting their countrymen. However religion would surely bring them together. Lincoln sent out the order for all regimental commanders to appoint chaplains to their units on May 4, 1861. These chaplains were to focus on the most basic beliefs of Christianity as to be respectful to the different sections of the soldiers. They were to encourage and frequently talk to the soldiers and hold small services. Commanders recognized Christianity’s ability to motivate the men, and would often state that they fought for God before entering battle.
Jefferson Davis however, did not fully recognize how religion could unite his troops. He hired few chaplains on low salaries, and they rarely stayed in the army for more than a month.
While their president may not have held religion at a high standard, many confederate soldiers did. General Robert E. Lee encouraged all of his soldiers to go to services on Sundays, and regularly prayed. “Stonewall” Jackson did the same, and he was found on several occasions praying before and during battle. He also gave all of the credit of his victories to God.
McClellan of the Union army also encouraged religion amongst his soldier. General Oliver O. Howard would preach to his men if a chaplain or reverend could not be found. General William Rosecrans never fought on Sundays. In the battle of Stone River he and his men fought late into Saturday night, turned around and rested on Sunday to defeat the Confederate regiments on Monday. Religion greatly influenced the unity of both armies, and while it may not have made the difference of the North’s victory in the war, it definitely contributed.
Religion in the Civil War Slideshow
Bibliography
Information
Finkelman, Paul. Encyclopedia of the United States in the Nineteenth Century. Vol. 3. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2001. Print
"Great American History Great American History." Great American History - Free American History Educational Material. Great American History, 28 Dec. 2009. Web. 19 May 2011. <http://www.greatamericanhistory.net/revival.htm>.
Moorhead, James H. "Religion in the Civil War: The Northern Perspective, The Nineteenth Century, Divining America: Religion in American History, TeacherServe, National Humanities Center." National Humanities Center - Welcome to the National Humanities Center. National Humanities Cneter, Oct. 2000. Web. 10 May 2011. <http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/nineteen/nkeyinfo/cwnorth.htm>.
Images Moorhead, James H. "Religion in the Civil War: The Northern Perspective, The Nineteenth Century, Divining America: Religion in American History, TeacherServe, National Humanities Center." National Humanities Center - Welcome to the National Humanities Center. National Humanities Cneter, Oct. 2000. Web. 10 May 2011. <http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/nineteen/nkeyinfo/cwnorth.htm>.
Religion in the Civil War
Table of Contents
Introduction
Religion was at the center of the Civil War. Both the North and South looked to God for guidance and aid. Each side believed God was on their side and would decide the war. People in both sides believed it was their duty to do whatever was necessary to win the war and fervently believed they had a role to play. The Union and the Confederacy declared they were devoutly religious but disregarded one of the most important aspects of religion, reconciliation, as animosity grew between the two sides.Revivalism and Millennialism
In the nineteenth century, religious participation slowly increased. Christian revivalism quickly spread across the country and roused untrained preachers who “gathered crowds, denounced sin, called for repentance, and welcomed converts.” Revivalism, “an emotional approach to practical Christianity,” was a practice that stemmed from new interest in spirituality and a “rebirth” of the churches. The formation of revivalism gathered America in a united spirit of renewal in the church and for the country. This brought back the ideals of millennialism in the time of the Civil War.
In the nineteenth century, millennialism was a common belief in Christianity. Though post-millenialists and pre-millenialists held very different beliefs, they both incorporated the idea of Christ’s return in one thousand years. Early in the nineteenth century, post-millennial beliefs were most common. Post-millenialists believed that a rebirth of America has already begun and the Kingdom of God on earth has begun forming. Missionaries and reformers believed it was their duty to prepare America for Christ’s return on Earth. Pre-millenialists believed that “biblically prophesized traumas” such as war and destruction were near and would pave the way for the Kingdom of God. They prepared for these traumas and held firmly to the belief that Jesus would physically return to Earth only after they occurred. The American Civil War, many believed was the beginning of the millennium.
Northern Perspective
At the time of the Civil War, a branch of Christianity, Protestantism was the dominant religion in the North. Church leaders pointed out religious and theological justifications for the war and emphasized the importance of preserving the union based on “America’s important place in history.” Northern Protestants believed that a Union victory would pave the
way for “the millennium”- a kingdom of God on Earth. They declared that a Confederate victory would slow the progress of America and its growing power. Protestants promoted the religion by proclaiming that by fighting for the Union, they were fighting for humanity.
Southern Perspective
Secession made religion the South's "moral defense." The two main beliefs in the South were that individual states had sovereignty and slavery was permitted by God. The Confederate Constitution declared the South's Christian identity. Southern leaders chose the motto "Deo Vindice," or "God Will Avenge." President Jefferson Davis declared it was time to "recognize our dependence upon God and supplicate his merciful protection." Southerners said that the Northern government was "godless," and put secular concerns over "sacred duties of Christian service." Before the Civil War, the South avoided politics in religious matters and "the jeremiad." But as the war progressed, clergy began to firmly believe that God had a role in the war and so made most sermons war related.Church Roles and Influences During War
Northern Depiction of Reconstruction
The popular idea that God was at work with the crisis of the Union affected churches ideas and action regarding slavery. Many “denounced it as a sin and called for immediate abolition,” while others disagreed and justified slavery because Jesus never spoke out against it. Some
church leaders were torn and believed it would end if God wanted it to, but many people believed God would not let them win the war unless slavery was abolished.
After the Union army was defeated several times, Protestant ministers carried out a tradition they believed would aid the North in victory. Clergy all over the North gave a sermon called “The Jeremiad” named after the prophet Jeremiah from the Old Testament. They threatened people with judgment unless they renounced their sins and took disaster as a punishment from God. Churches began to demand emancipation as early as fall of 1861. These acts made the purpose of the war from keeping the Union together, to ending slavery.
For many, war was a cleansing and a preparation for rebirth. Clergy popularized the belief that if God were to come to earth, slavery would need to be abolished, selfishness removed, and commitment to authority taken on. They declared that each citizen must be willing to sacrifice themselves for rebirth and the good of America. By giving loss and pain good connotations, ministers spread the idea of a “blood baptism.” The assassination of President Lincoln on Good Friday (the day Jesus was crucified and later resurrected on Easter), was taken as a good sign and the start of a new America.
Slavery and Religion
At the beginning of slavery, Africans brought over their religion. They believed there was a high God who created the Universe and lesser Gods that controlled different elements of life. They believed that the lesser Gods were occupied by their ancestors and their purpose in life was to honor them.
Most religion groups in America supported slavery and slave owners did not want slaves to be religious for a fear that they would interpret the Bible to be in favor of equality. But as slavery became a conflict and revolts were carried out, whites began to allow slaves to worship under controlled circumstances. Slaves began to combine African religious and spiritual beliefs with Christian. Some slave owners approved, thinking that slaves would receive redemption from worshiping a Christian God. Others believed it would cause uprisings and terminate their way of life.
In London, the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign arts attempted to convert slaves to Christianity. Though it was fairly effective, many slaves converted at the Great Awakening. Preachers promoted the idea that obedient slaves would be rewarded in heaven. Slaves worshiped secretly, prayed for freedom, sing, preach and dance. They made Christianity their own religion and redefined it in favor of equality.
African-American Churches
A.M.E. Church in Philedelphia
Evangelical Baptist and Methodist preachers traveled throughout the South in the late 18th century and converted many slaves to Christianity. Slaves were appointed as leaders and preachers. They developed their own interpretations of the Bible and found inspiration. Some were inspired to revolt and Virginia passed a law requiring black congregations to meet under the supervision of a white minister. White preachers urged slaves to be loyal to their masters and promoted the idea that hardworking slaves would be rewarded in the afterlife.Free blacks formed their own congregations and helped slaves who had escaped. African-Americans in Philadelphia were only allowed to worship in a segregated gallery at St. George's Methodist Church. Methodist preachers Absalom Jones and Richard Allen along with other black members left and formed the Free African Society. They began to lead worship and formed the very first African Methodist Episcopal church. The church's slogan was "To Seek For Ourselves."
Religion Amongst Soldiers
By Shay HaydenThe topic of religion among American Civil War soldiers was not commonly researched until fairly recently. Due to the lack of research, there is very little known about the exact number of observers of specific religions and sections among soldiers in the civil war. However, Christianity was clearly the most prominent religion.
When soldiers were first arriving to their respective armies, they came with excitement, foolishness, and a great misunderstanding about the seriousness of warfare. After the first battles, the armies were disorganized and panicked. On the Union side, President Lincoln recognized that the soldiers needed something to unite them. Hatred for the enemy was not strong enough a bond; they were fighting their countrymen. However religion would surely bring them together. Lincoln sent out the order for all regimental commanders to appoint chaplains to their units on May 4, 1861. These chaplains were to focus on the most basic beliefs of Christianity as to be respectful to the different sections of the soldiers. They were to encourage and frequently talk to the soldiers and hold small services. Commanders recognized Christianity’s ability to motivate the men, and would often state that they fought for God before entering battle.
Jefferson Davis however, did not fully recognize how religion could unite his troops. He hired few chaplains on low salaries, and they rarely stayed in the army for more than a month.
While their president may not have held religion at a high standard, many confederate soldiers did. General Robert E. Lee encouraged all of his soldiers to go to services on Sundays, and regularly prayed. “Stonewall” Jackson did the same, and he was found on several occasions praying before and during battle. He also gave all of the credit of his victories to God.
McClellan of the Union army also encouraged religion amongst his soldier. General Oliver O. Howard would preach to his men if a chaplain or reverend could not be found. General William Rosecrans never fought on Sundays. In the battle of Stone River he and his men fought late into Saturday night, turned around and rested on Sunday to defeat the Confederate regiments on Monday. Religion greatly influenced the unity of both armies, and while it may not have made the difference of the North’s victory in the war, it definitely contributed.
Religion in the Civil War Slideshow
Bibliography
InformationFinkelman, Paul. Encyclopedia of the United States in the Nineteenth Century. Vol. 3. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2001. Print
"Great American History Great American History." Great American History - Free American History Educational Material. Great American History, 28 Dec. 2009. Web. 19 May 2011. <http://www.greatamericanhistory.net/revival.htm>.
Moorhead, James H. "Religion in the Civil War: The Northern Perspective, The Nineteenth Century, Divining America: Religion in American History, TeacherServe, National Humanities Center." National Humanities Center - Welcome to the National Humanities Center. National Humanities Cneter, Oct. 2000. Web. 10 May 2011. <http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/nineteen/nkeyinfo/cwnorth.htm>.
Perez, Susel. "Slavery in the Western Hemisphere: Slave Religion." Coral Gables Senior High School - Home of the Cavaliers. Web. 22 May 2011. <http://cghs.dade.k12.fl.us/slavery/antebellum_slavery/plantation_slave_life/diet_religion/religion.htm>.
Simkin, John. "Religion and Slavery." Spartacus Educational - Home Page. Spartacus Educational. Web. 22 May 2011. <http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USASreligion.htm>.
Stout, Harry S. “Religion in the Civil War: The Southern Perspective.” Divining America, TeacherServe®. National Humanities Center. 11 May 2011. <http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/nineteen/nkeyinfo/cwsouth.htm>
Images
Moorhead, James H. "Religion in the Civil War: The Northern Perspective, The Nineteenth Century, Divining America: Religion in American History, TeacherServe, National Humanities Center." National Humanities Center - Welcome to the National Humanities Center. National Humanities Cneter, Oct. 2000. Web. 10 May 2011. <http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/nineteen/nkeyinfo/cwnorth.htm>.
Simkin, John. "Religion and Slavery." Spartacus Educational - Home Page. Spartacus Educational. Web. 22 May 2011. <http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USASreligion.htm>.
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